What is histamine?
Histamine is found in nearly all the tissues of the body associated mainly with the mast cells. Mast cells are large cells in connective tissues which also contain heparin and serotonin, as well as histamine, which are released during inflammation and allergic responses. Mast cells are part of our immune system and help to fight infections.
Histamine also functions as a neurotransmitter and helps to stimulate wakefulness. Histamine also promotes stomach acid, stimulates the brain and boosts libido and therefore plays a key role in ovulation and reproduction.
Histamine has a pronounced affect on the body and causes dilation of the blood vessels and contraction of the smooth muscle (for instance in the lungs and intestines). Histamine is released in large amounts after skin damage from animal poisons and toxins.
MCAS (Mast cell activation syndrome) is much more severe and dramatic than histamine intolerance and can lead to anaphylactic reactions. MCAS can be triggered by various things including genetic factors, infections, stress and early trauma, toxicity and moulds and gut imbalances.
Histamine Foods
Certain foods are high in histamine themselves or they cause the body to release histamine and consuming them can therefore raise levels of histamine in the body. These include fermented foods, cow’s milk, additives and preservatives, alcohol, coffeee, tea, chocolate, many condiments, processed meats, aged cheeses, dried fruits, citrus fruits, tropical fruits, strawberries, avocados and tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant (nightshades), spinach, nuts and seeds and some legumes..
Some foods make us release our own histamine from our mast cells AND also contain histamine such as alcohol. Histamine builds up in food which is no longer fresh so leftovers contain more histamine than fresh food.
What is Histamine Intolerance?
We need histamine in the body but if we create too much or can’t break it down then levels can become too high: we can develop histamine intolerance. It’s more common in women and in middle age. The enzyme that breaks down histamine from the food we eat is called Diamine Oxidase (DAO) and it is found in the lining of the small intestine. Some foods which are known to inhibit DAO working include
- Alcohol: Especially harmful to DAO functioning, alcohol should be eliminated or significantly reduced for those with histamine intolerance
- Energy drinks
- Black and green tea
- Vinegars
- Wheatgerm:
- Yeast extract
- Mate tea:
The other enzyme know to break down histamine is called N-methyltransferase (HNMT) and is found in the liver. Low levels of DAO and HNMT can be due to poor gut health and can also be caused by allopathic drugs such as some antidepressants, antibiotics, painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Excess histamine can cause a variety of different symptoms which very often mimic allergic reactions. The most common symptoms are listed below but it’s important to remember that all these symptoms could also be caused by something other than histamine intolerance.
- rashes (e.g. hives), itching, excema
- flushing
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), digestive issues, bloating, cramps
- breathlessness, chest pains, asthma
- palpitations, low blood pressure
- migraines, headaches
- chronic fatigue, brain fog
- dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo
- anxiety, panic attacks
- joint aches
- nasal congestion, rhinitis
- Intertitial cystitis, burning of vagina and urine, vaginal itching
- PMS, fluid retention
Histamine and Oestrogen
There is a close link between histamine and oestrogen as they attach to the same receptors on the cells of your body known as the H1 receptor. As oestrogen levels rise, your body releases more histamine. Excess histamine then stimulates your ovaries to release more estrogen setting off a vicious cycle. Moreover oestrogen stops your DAO from working well and so your histamine levels are able to build up. High histamine is therefore often associated with symptoms of oestrogen dominance such as painful heavy periods, endometriosis and miscarriages. Hormonal birth control worsens the problem because it causes oestrogen excess and progesterone deficiency.
Progesterone stabilizes mast cells, upregulates DAO, and can therefore reduce histamine. Many women with HIT (histamine intolerance) are progestogen-sensitive and therefore usually react badly to any birth control or with synthetic progestogen-only or progestogen-containing compounds. Women with HIT may not respond well to HRT as they may be progestogen-sensitive and the oestrogen will increase their histamine levels and therefore their symptoms..
Oestrogen levels rise at certain times during a woman’s life for example: when she begins to have periods as a young girl and at ovulation and also the few days prior to menstruating. During peri- menopause oestrogen can fluctuate from low levels to high levels and in histamine-intolerant women this can make levels even higher. One clue that symptoms are being caused by histamine intolerance is when they are worse at these times: ovulation, before the period and peri-menopause.
Xenoestrogens (toxic oestrogen-like substances from the environment e.g. plastics) and a poorly functioning liver can also result in high levels of oestrogen because the liver is the organ responsible for ridding the body of excess hormones and toxins.
Homeopathic remedies that can be useful for allergies
Nux vomica
Indicated for reactions to many forms of toxicity. Sinus congestion and stuffed up nose. Asthmatic breathing with fullness of the stomach uneasiness in the bowels and a possible congestive headache or tinnitus. A ‘hung-over’ feeling with irritability and chilliness. Increased sensitivity to noise, light, smells etc.
Phosphorus
Very sensitive to chemicals, perfumes, atmospheres. Indicated when there is an asthmatic reaction with anxiety and palpitations as well as a burning sensation throughout the body and pressure sensations in the face. The chest feels tight and constricted, there is a feeling of weight and heaviness. The person is likely to be weakened and listless, may feel faint or dizzy. Tingling and numbness of hands and feet. May have palpitations, anxiety or panic attacks.
Apis
Indicated for hives and swelling with redness. Symptoms include stinging pains and puffiness of the eyes, mouth, lips tongue and possibly constriction of the throat. Maybe restless, slightly manic or hysterical or irritable with a feeling of being ‘hot and bothered’. Better from cold water externally but usually thirstless during a flare.
Arsenicum Album
Indicated for wheezing or whistling breathing which is worse lying down and from after midnight until 1am. The patient can be chilly restless and anxious and thirsty for sips of water or hot drinks. One possible causation is reaction to pesticides. This remedy suits people who are particular about hygiene and they can be obsessively tidy and organised – they fear loss of control.
Histaminum
Can be helpful for people who are nervous and irritable, possibly rebellious and have trouble showing their emotions. They may have difficulties making contact with the outside world. Useful for all types of allergic reactions (wheat, pollen, animal fur etc.) welts on the skin and rhinitis.
Naturopathic Helpers for Histamine Intolerance
Vitamin C – is a natural antihistamine and antioxidant that helps reduce histamine and inflammation in the body. However, bear in mind that citrus foods, which are high in Vitamin C, are histamine liberators so best avoided while experiencing histamine intolerance symptoms.
Quercetin – is a plant antioxidant that acts as a natural antihistamine that blocks the release of histamine from inflammatory mast cells in the body.
Vitamin B6 -increases DAO activity
Nettle Tea – Nettle has been shown to inactivate and inhibit the H1 receptors (H1 blocking medications are used to treat allergies) and stabalise mast cells which prevents extra histamine being released in your body.